Island Treasures of Indonesia & East Timor
PONANT invites you to set sail on a 15-day tropical expedition cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier discovering the stunning scenery of the Indonesian archipelago and East Timor. It is on these islands, scattered like a string of pearls at the far west of South-East Asia, that the fascinating transition from Asia to Oceania is most powerfully felt, through the peoples and landscapes encountered.
Timor, Flores, Sumbawa, Komodo, Banda Neira… Just mentioning these names is enough to conjure up images of spectacular blooms, wide, emerald-coloured bays, island-volcanoes, villages peopled with inhabitants who have preserved their perennial traditions, and prehistoric animals. Not to mention hills covered in savannah, tropical forests, dazzling white sandy beaches and waves crashing down on the coral.
From Darwin, you will sail towards East Timor, a former Portuguese colony. Two stops, the first in Dili, the East Timorese capital, and the second in Baucau, will reveal all the beauty of the pristine landscapes, featuring tropical rainforest and immaculate sandy beaches, but also a rich historical and cultural heritage.
You will then sail to the Kei Islands, in the heart of the Malukus, to discover a peaceful paradise of stunning white-sand beaches. Your next destination will be Triton Bay. Located within a protected marine environment in the middle of the Coral Triangle, you will enjoy an unforgettable zodiac cruise through the spectacular rainforest-capped karst islands.
Le Jacques-Cartier will continue to sail in the Indonesian province of West Papua to allow you to witness the superb natural site of Kiti-Kiti Waterfall surrounded by lush nature.
In the Moluccas (Maluku Islands), dubbed the Spice Islands, you will explore the island of Banda Neira, which was shaped by Dutch and Portuguese influences.
After a stop in the fabulous Barat Daya Islands, offering a concentration of all the beauty of South-East Asia, you will sail towards Kalabahi, on the island of Alor. This authentic destination in the eponymous archipelago will afford you the possibility of meeting the local communities, who have managed to preserve their ancient, traditional way of life.
You will continue towards Maumere, on the island of Flores. Then you will explore the marvellous Komodo National Park, where the famous dragons, a prehistoric species, reign supreme over the island’s herbaceous landscapes. You will also go ashore at Pink Beach, which, as its name suggests, is a magnificent beach of pink sand with sparkling blue water.
Your ship will set sail for Badas on the island of Sumbawa. You will be welcomed by the inhabitants of Pamulung village, where you will be able to witness a traditional ceremony.
Your cruise will conclude in Bali – ‘the island of the gods’ – with its captivating charm and grace.
The encounters with the wildlife described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
